Journal of Social Sciences Review (JSSR) is a Multidisciplinary peer-reviewed research journal. It aims to disseminate scientific information, high-quality research and spark discussion on Social Sciences (Miscellaneous) current issues.
Nishtar Degree College and School System
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Gender Fluidity and the Digital Age: Performance of Gender in WhatsApp Emojis
Gender as a social construct continues to evolve with shifting societal norms, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of life. Efforts to break away from traditional gender norms are evident in many areas, including digital communication. One example is the introduction of gender neutral emojis, which offer more inclusive ways for people to express themselves. The article analyzes WhatsApp’s emoji collection, focusing on how gender neutral emojis promote the idea of gender fluidity. By reviewing and categorizing these emojis, the article examines their design features such as clothing, hairstyles, and expressions, and how they avoid strict gender labels. This analysis shows how these emojis reflect a broader cultural movement towards inclusivity, providing a small but meaningful way to challenge traditional ideas of gender in everyday communication.
Copyright (c) 2026 Copyright in the Journal of Social Sciences Review is retained by the author(s). Authors also grant any third party the right to use the article freely as long as its integrity is maintained and its original authors, citation details and publisher are identified. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Livelihood Patterns and Mechanisms in Borderlands: A Case Study of Mand-Pishin Border
This paper, from a sustainable livelihood perspective with a qualitative case study approach explores livelihood conditions of the Mand-Pishin region, where most families rely on cross-border trade while confronting inadequate infrastructure, limited government support, and unavailability of educational and skill development chances. To carry out this study, an in-depth qualitative research approach was used, while using thematic analysis to identify the primary livelihood patterns and investigate the challenges that are reason for bad socio-economic conditions in Mand. The primary data was collected from 17 respondents, residence of Mand belonging from various and multiple professions. The collected data was analyzed through thematic analysis from which main themes emerged from the perspectives of locals of Mand. The study emphasizes the significance of analyzing the socio-economic problems and challenges and proposes ways to have better socio-economic outcomes. This study highlights practical guidance for progress of Mand that improvement in infrastructure, investment in human capital, and accessibility to borders are important for securing diversified livelihoods in the Mand-Pishin border area.
Influencer Attributes and Customer Purchase Intention: The Mediating Role of Brand Attitude and the Influence of Perceived Authenticity and Materialism
This study examines the influence of Influencer Attractiveness, Interactivity, Credibility, and Professionalism on Customer Attitude toward the Brand and Consumer Purchase Intention among social media users in Karachi, Pakistan. It further investigates the direct effect of Perceived Influencer Authenticity and the moderating roles of Perceived Authenticity and Consumer Materialism. A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed using data collected from 206 social media users through a structured Google Forms questionnaire based on established scales. Convenience sampling was adopted, and the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Influencer Interactivity (β=0.216), Credibility (β=0.227), and Professionalism (β=0.121) significantly improved Customer Attitude toward the Brand, which subsequently enhanced Purchase Intention. Perceived Influencer Authenticity directly increased Purchase Intention (β=0.235). Furthermore, Perceived Authenticity positively moderated the Brand Attitude-Purchase Intention relationship (β=0.139), whereas Consumer Materialism negatively moderated it (β=−0.076). The findings demonstrate that interaction, credibility, professionalism, and authenticity are important drivers of influencer marketing effectiveness and provide practical insights for digital marketers operating in Pakistan’s growing social-commerce environment.
Empowering Marginalized Rural Females through Livestock Extension Training Program
This study analyzed rural females’ empowerment through capacity building training offered by the Livestock and Dairy Development Department (L&DD) under the livestock extension education program, Government of the Punjab. In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 trainers and 15 females from two rural union councils of Raiwind Tehsil, District Lahore. Thematic analysis was carried out against capacity building training. Findings indicated that the capacity building training program enhanced decision making of rural females regarding their spending, purchasing power, and investment in dairy/poultry business. These females not only earned and contributed to family income but also commanded respect in family and relatives. Their training attracted other rural females to seek livestock training, implying the sustainability of the program. Married females spent the major proportion of their earnings on the education and health of their children and viewed livestock extension education as an important contributor towards their children’s better future. The findings indicated that livestock extension education helped rural females in livestock management activities, usually believed to be the domain of rural males. This implies that livestock extension training develops the capacity of rural females and imparts skills needed to carry out small-scale business activities related to dairy products. The study indicated the significance of the L&DD program in providing latest knowledge about livestock preventative and curative measures to female livestock holders. The initiative was positively received by rural females and rural males. The study recommends livestock capacity building programs in rural parts of other provinces of Pakistan for sustainable rural development.
Impact of Study Habits on Test Anxiety and Academic Achievement of Students at University Level
This study aimed to examine the relationship between study habits and test anxiety and academic achievement of university students. The quantitative descriptive survey research with correlational and comparative approaches were used and 350 students (175 males and 175 females) were selected from the University of Haripur for data collection by using structured questionnaires. The study habits examined were textbook reading, note taking, memory, test preparation, concentration and time management. The results revealed that students' habits with regard to reading the textbook were very good, and they were moderately good in time management, while there were still some weaknesses in test preparation, memory and note taking. The regression analysis showed that study habits as a whole accounted for 27.9% of the variance in academic achievement with time management being the most important positive predictor. Interestingly, the reading of texts and paying attention negatively influenced academic performance. With regard to test anxiety, study habits contributed 27.7% of the variance; textbook reading and concentration significantly lowered anxiety, and time management was correlated with higher anxiety, perhaps because of a pressure or perfectionism. Gender comparisons revealed that female students performed better than males in academics, note-taking, but males performed better in textbook reading and test preparation. There were no significant gender differences in memory, concentration, time management or test anxiety. The results highlight the complex nature of study habits and how they affect academic and emotional outcomes, pointing towards the necessity of developing specific interventions to foster students' well-balanced learning approaches.
Empowering Future Changemakers: How Social Entrepreneurship Education Shapes Student’s Social Entrepreneurial Intentions and sustainable Behaviors
Despite the extensive body of literature on entrepreneurship education and its strong influence on entrepreneurial intentions, relatively few studies have examined its impact on university students’ sustainable behavior. In particular, limited attention has been paid to the role of social entrepreneurship education (SEE) in fostering sustainable behaviors among higher education students. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study investigates the mediating role of social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) and the moderating roles of value-based leadership (VBL) and civic engagement (CE) in the relationship between SEE and sustainable behavior (SB). Using survey data from 340 university students in south Punjab, Pakistan, the findings demonstrate that SEI significantly mediates the relationship between SEE and SB. Furthermore, VBL positively moderates the link between SEE and SEI, while CE strengthens the association between SEI and SB. The study discusses important theoretical contributions and practical implications for higher education institutions and policymakers, alongside directions for future research.
Understanding the Psychological Determinants of Incel Identity in Male Young Adults
The present study investigated the relationship between perceived social rejection, attachment styles, and incel identity among young adult males in Pakistan. Using a quantitative correlational research design, data were collected from 190 males aged 18–35 years recruited from universities in Karachi and through social media networks. Participants completed a demographic form, the Interpersonal Rejection Sensitivity Scale (IRSS), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Incel Trait Scale (ITS). Prior to participation, informed consent was obtained, and data were collected anonymously through Google Forms. Participation was voluntary, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between perceived social rejection and incel identity (r = .189, p = .009), indicating that higher levels of perceived social rejection were associated with stronger incel identity. Attachment styles were also significantly positively correlated with incel identity (r = .214, p = .003), suggesting that attachment insecurity is linked to greater incel identification. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between perceived social rejection and attachment styles (r = .510, p &lt; .001). Overall, the results supported the proposed hypotheses and demonstrated that higher perceived social rejection and attachment insecurity are associated with higher levels of incel identity among young adult males in Pakistan.
The Impact of Capital and Marketing Expenditure on Revenue Growth of Pharmaceutical Companies in Pakistan
This study investigates the effect of capital investment, marketing intensity, firm size and intangible assets on revenue growth of pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan. A balanced panel data set comprising of five businesses listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) from 2015-2024 was constructed based on the Resource-Based View (50 firm-year observations). Secondary financial data were from the audited yearly reports. The panel least squares regression (using E Views 12) were used to test the proposed hypotheses. Market intensity (marketing expenditure) positively affects revenue growth (β= 3.8673, p= 0.1446). In contrast, revenue growth and business size are positively but insignificantly related while intangible assets are negatively but insignificantly related. These findings provide some support for the Resource-Based View as marketing capabilities seem to be the most important strategic resource to drive revenue growth in the sample. The study adds to the literature by focusing on revenue growth and strategic investment in the pharmaceutical sector of Pakistan and offers practical insights on resource allocation for managers and policy makers.
Analysing the Impact of Financial Development on Poverty Reduction: The Roles of Employment and Digitalization in Emerging Economies
Abstract: The effectiveness of financial development in reducing poverty may depend on labour market results and the uniformity of digital transformation; that is why financial development is generally distinguished as a driving force of economic growth. Grounded in the Financial Intermediation Theory, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of financial development on poverty reduction by using employment as a mediator and digitalization as a moderator in digitally transforming emerging economies, over the period 2006–2025. This study applies panel regression techniques, mediation analysis, and moderation analysis to investigate the relationships among the variables and uses data from the World Bank’s indicators. The outcomes of this study show that there exists a relationship between financial development and poverty through the mediating effect of employment, both directly or indirectly, whereas digitalization also intensifies this relationship by increasing economic prospects and financial growth. The results analysis contributes to the existing body of knowledge by putting forward a consolidated and unified mediation–moderation foundation that gives novel ideas and different viewpoints into the Finance-growth-poverty trilogy and proposes policy implications and governance challenges for fostering and advancing unbiased economic sustainability in developing economies.
Bridging International Benchmarks and Local Practices: A Framework for Green Campus Waste Management in Pakistani HEIs
Sustainability has become one of the main criteria in evaluating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), which is officially recognised by ranking systems such as the UI GreenMetric world university rankings and Pakistan's Higher Education Commission Green Campus initiative. Among the six key categories evaluated by UI GreenMetric, waste management is still a crucial but understudied issue, especially for HEIs in developing countries looking for feasible, context-appropriate solutions. The top three universities in the world, as well as the top three universities in Pakistan, are compared in this study based on the 2025 UI GreenMetric world university ranking. The waste management strategy of each university is studied separately, and a within-group comparison of methods of international and Pakistani institutions is conducted. A cross-group comparison enabled identification of the gaps, transferable methods, and contextual restrictions that set high-performing international institutions apart from their Pakistani counterparts. These differences are interpreted in the context of the recognised administrative and resource challenges faced by Pakistani public sector universities and intensified by limited sustainability awareness among stakeholders. Based on these results, the study suggests a phased framework for implementing sustainable waste management practices in Pakistani HEIs. Starting with basic administrative measures and awareness, the recommended phased framework progresses through structured reuse, recycling, and behavioural change strategies and closes with long-term waste circularity targets. The findings aim to support Green Campus efforts and enhance institutional performance in national and international sustainability rankings by providing practical insights for policymakers, sustainability offices, and university administrators.
AI-Assisted Writing and the Originality Problem: Evidence from Universities in the United Kingdom and Irish Universities
This study investigated how university students use ChatGPT and how they perceive its relationship with idea generation, originality and intellectual ownership. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 120 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Ulster University and Queen's University Belfast. The non-probability quota sample included 60 students from each institution, 62 women and 58 men. Descriptive statistics were used to report patterns of use and responses to individual five-point Likert items. Exploratory t-tests and one-way analyses of variance were used for selected group comparisons, while short written responses were used to clarify the survey patterns. ChatGPT use was common: 116 participants (96.7 per cent) had used it at least once and 108 (90.0 per cent) had used it during the previous month. Participants valued time saving (91.7 per cent agreement), help with idea generation (86.7 per cent) and help with complex concepts (86.7 per cent). The results also showed reservations. 65% per cent reported greater difficulty generating ideas without ChatGPT after regular use, 43.3 per cent expressed a sense of ownership over AI-assisted work and 68.3 per cent felt that their ideas had become more similar to those of peers who used the tool. These results concern reported perceptions rather than observed changes in creativity or measured textual similarity. They show that practical gains can coexist with uncertainty about independence, authorship and distinctiveness. Teaching and assessment should therefore make room for unaided ideation, transparent use of AI and student explanation of how an argument or idea developed.
A Multidimensional Criminological Analysis of the Drug–Violence Nexus
The issues of drug abuse and violent crime continue to be social, criminological and public-health problems. But a causal assumption, that drug consumption directly results in violent behavior, cannot entirely explain the relationship between drug use and violence. This study focuses on the drug–violence relationship and employ inductive qualitative analysis of secondary evidence with special emphasis upon Pakistan. The study is based on a range of peer-reviewed literature, international reports, official documents and criminological research. An interpretivism philosophy was used and an inductive qualitative documentary design to identify recurrent explanations and mechanisms in the evidence. Theories applied as lenses were classical criminological theories (Goldstein's tripartite theory, social learning theory, strain theory, social disorganization theory and routine activity theory) and not causal theories. Four dimensions are outlined pharmacological, economic, social and structural all of which are interrelated. Recent findings suggest that substance use is associated with violence, which can be positive or negative depending on the type of substance, individual characteristics, social context and illicit market conditions (Curtis et al., 2024; World Health Organization, 2024). The prevalence of drug use is also increasing globally, with an estimated 316 million drug users in 2023 (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2025). The four-dimensional drug violence nexus model has been introduced, which views violence as the product of individual, economic, social and structural mechanisms, all of which interact and act as sources of violence. These findings justify the development of a comprehensive strategy based on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, socio-economic measures, local actions and measures taken to systematically combat drug markets.
Four-dimensional Drug–violence Nexus Model
Online Misogyny: A Study of Silencing Strategies Against Pakistani Women on “X”
This study examines how misogynistic expressions function as silencing strategies in the digital public sphere. It focuses on replies to the posts of female public figures on Pakistani X. Using a qualitative discourse analysis approach, the study analyzes 355 replies collected from the profiles of four female public figures: Mahira Khan (film industry), Maria B. (business and fashion), Gharidah Farooqi (journalism and media), and Malala Yousafzai (activism), posted between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Drawing on Berškytė and Popa-Wyatt’s extended silencing framework and Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis, the study identifies three forms of silencing: locutionary, illocutionary, and sincerity silencing. The findings reveal that online misogyny is not merely abusive; rather, it functions as a silencing strategy that delegitimizes women's voices and reinforces restrictive gender norms.
Negotiating Gender Roles and Male Involvement in Maternal Healthcare: A Qualitative Study of Low-Income Communities in Chiniot, Pakistan
The global academic community has universally recognized that men’s participation in maternal health care is a core element to improve women’s access to antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal services. However, Pakistan’s patriarchal family structure has imposed long-term limitations on the development of local maternal health care. This qualitative study was conducted in low-income communities in Chiniot, Punjab Province, using purposive sampling and involving 20 husbands, 20 wives, and 5 healthcare workers. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus groups, and inductive thematic analysis was used to explore participants’ perceptions and negotiation processes. The findings indicate that male participation in maternal health affairs exists but is characterized by clear selectivity. Men commonly provide financial support, transportation, medication purchases, and emergency assistance, yet rarely accompany pregnant partners to antenatal care appointments, offer emotional support, or share household chores. Maternal health care is widely regarded as a female responsibility, with men expected primarily to fulfill the roles of financial provider and decision-maker. Women’s experiences of male involvement were mixed; some appreciated the support received from their husbands, while many reported discomfort with male presence due to modesty norms, privacy concerns, and fear of social judgement. Maternal-healthcare utilisation was further constrained by poor roads, transport costs, long distances, limited public services, and negative experiences with healthcare providers. The study concludes that encouraging men to attend health facilities with women alone is insufficient. Interventions should promote joint decision making, women’s autonomy, dignity and respect during maternity care, gender-sensitive counselling by trained personnel, and improved access to maternal-health services while respecting women’s privacy and their right to make free and independent healthcare choices.
Pain as Epistemology: A Phenomenology of Suffering in Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground
Fyodor Dostoevsky Notes from Underground (1864) has long been read in existential, psychoanalytic, and political terms, and critics have viewed the Underground Man as suffering, whether pathologically, masochistically, or as an expression of alienation. This paper suggests an alternative solution: that suffering in Notes from Underground, as an epistemic category, a knowing that does not subscribe to the rationalist and utilitarian paradigms of 19 th -century modernity. Using close reading of some of the most important episodes including the toothache and the humiliation experiences; this paper analyzes the way in which pain generates a kind of lived certitude that is antithetical to abstract rational truths such as 2 + 2=4. The analysis will refer to phenomenology (Merleau-Ponty, Levinas), affect theory (Ahmed), as well as pain studies (Scarry), and put Dostoevsky in the position of a thinker of embodied epistemology, where suffering is, in some ways, the truth telling more than rational computation. Reframing pain as a constitutive and not a pathological force, the article locates Notes from Underground in the larger discussions of embodiment, affect, and truth. Finally, it states that Dostoevsky presupposes phenomenological and modern theories of pain and initiates a debate between literature, philosophy, and affect studies that transforms the understanding of suffering into not weakness but knowledge.
Predicting Consumer Purchase Intention from Experimental Advertising Using Predictive Modelling
Controversial advertising has recently generated interest in digital marketing and sparked debates regarding its effectiveness in enhancing consumers’ purchase intention. The purpose of this study was to build a predictive model on the effect of controversial advertising on consumers’ purchase intention, considering emotional response, attitude toward an advertisement, and attitude toward a brand. The research design was quantitative, cross-sectional, and predictive in nature. Data were collected through questionnaires using a five-point rating scale completed by 250 respondents. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) was applied using SPSS (IBM Corp., 2011) to test the predictive power of Controversial Advertising, Emotional Response, Advertisement Attitude, and Brand Attitude on Purchase Intention. Model performance was assessed through regression coefficients, hypothesis testing, and coefficient of determination (Hair et al., 2022; Shmueli et al., 2019). The regression model produced an R² value of 0.581, indicating that 58.1% of the variance in Purchase Intention was explained by the model. The results showed that Advertisement Attitude (β = 0.360, p &lt; 0.001) and Brand Attitude (β = 0.379, p &lt; 0.001) significantly predicted Purchase Intention, whereas Controversial Advertising (β = 0.117, p = 0.076) and Emotional Response (β = 0.006, p = 0.926) did not directly predict purchase intention. However, all proposed relationships in the sequential model were validated, indicating indirect effects through emotional and attitudinal channels. The study contributes to advertising and consumer behavior literature by showing that controversial advertising influences purchase intention mainly through attitudes toward the advertisement and brand, providing valuable insights for advertisers and marketers seeking to predict consumer purchasing behavior.
Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life of School-Going Children and Its Perceived Impact on Educational Outcomes
This study investigated the factors affecting Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of school-going children aged 6–14 years and its impact on educational outcomes, as perceived by mothers in Tehsil Faisalabad of city Faisalabad, Pakistan. The study was conducted in the Colony Punjab Government Servant Housing Society. The total residential units in the society was 1200 out of which sample of 120 household mothers were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected from 120 respondents through structured questionnaire employing a 5-point Likert scale. Four major factors were examined: health-related factors, socioeconomic status, environmental conditions and educational outcomes. Findings revealed that among health-related factors, regular physical activity was rated most influential (Mean = 4.27), followed by eating habits (Mean = 4.20) and adequate sleep (Mean = 4.17). Regarding socioeconomic status, availability of proper clothing and school materials received the highest agreement (Mean = 4.07), while limited family income was least acknowledged (Mean = 3.00). Among environmental factors, access to safe drinking water ranked highest (Mean = 4.34), while reduced outdoor activity due to poor environmental conditions ranked lowest (Mean = 3.67). In terms of educational impact, parents most strongly agreed that good physical health improves school performance (Mean = 4.32), while poor nutrition affecting learning ability received comparatively lower agreement (Mean = 3.67). However, for future research Integrated school-based health screening programs and community-level nutrition awareness campaigns are recommended to improve children's HRQoL. Local authorities should also ensure safe environmental conditions and incorporate mental health awareness into school curricula to enhance children's academic performance.
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Bambi as a Symbol of Ecological Narrative
Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is a multidisciplinary approach for analyzing, understanding, and explaining the social phenomenon. It studies relationships among human beings, their established social systems and investigates their complex social behavior. CDA provides solutions to the problems of inequalities and disparities that affect social and cultural life of the individuals or groups in a social setup. This research paper aims to explore how human beings make their linguistic choices in the context of social and communal ties as well as personal relationships with their physical environment. This is done by studying an animated film “Bambi”, a famous Walt Disney production. The paper also investigates the social forces that communicate behavioral outcomes associated with the interface of power and ideology. The researchers also aim to explore context of fundamental social human interaction through language and images that unfold reality behind the narrative of animated film.
A Study of Suicidal Notes from the Perspective of Social Illness: A Forensic Analysis
The paper is an attempt to explore causes of suicide at smaller scale for finding out what makes an individual to take such drastic step of extreme self-harm in a Pakistani society. Three suicide texts were selected from online newspaper sites for case study analysis under the lens of forensic linguistics. It is a destructive practice which is rising in Pakistani society day by day.&nbsp; However, the researchers believe that suicide is a case of social pressures that induces suicidal ideation when a suicide attempter fails to face the pressure of adversaries. Durkheim’s propositions on suicidal attempts have been applied for finding out the underlying social factors of suicide in Pakistan through qualitative data analysis. The study finds out that there are multiple reasons for suicidal deaths in Pakistan. It is a social illness and needs serious attention of the officials in Pakistan.
Geo-economic Coercion, Technological Rivalry and Global Fragmentation: Supply Chain Weaponization and Strategic Interdependence in Contemporary Great Power Competition
The global economy has transformed from a system of integration to one of geopolitical competition through global supply chains.Global supply chains are now being used and transformed from an instrument of economic integration to the area of geopolitical competition. In this study, the weaponization of supply chains in today's great power rivalry is explored, focusing on a U.S.-China rivalry. It examines the use of critical mineral restrictions, semiconductor export controls and sanctions, technological infrastructure and logistics networks as instruments of geo economic coercion in the hands of states. This research applies a qualitative analytical method to examine the changes in production systems around the world due to COVID-19, Russia–Ukraine conflicts and the growing technological competition. The results show that liberal notions of "interdependence" and "win-win" have been undermined by the process of supply chain weaponisation and the trends of selective decoupling, de-risking, reshoring and economic fragmentation have been accelerated. The study argues that control over critical technologies, resilient production networks, strategic chokepoints, and state’s ability of turning economic dependence to geopolitical leverage will increasingly define the nature of future great power competition.
From Social Pressure to Sustainable Action: Examining Eco-Anxiety, Personal Values, and Green Purchase Intention in Pakistan
The present study is based on the concept of social influence (SI) and eco-anxiety (EA) and their effect on green purchase intention in the energy-efficient home appliances sector. To support the related literature, five hypotheses were formulated and tested. Primary data on consumers' experiences with EEHA and their intentions to buy EEHA in the future were collected through a structured questionnaire. The data were collected by purposive sampling from all four provinces, namely, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, and the federal capital, Islamabad, to ensure maximum representation in terms of socioeconomic status, geographical location, and cultural background. The proposed model was analyzed using Smart PLS 4 through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The structural model results indicated that personal values mediate social influence, eco-anxiety, and green purchase intention for EEHA. Personal values emerge as the strongest predictor of GPI.EA and SI both positively and significantly influence personal values (PV). EA and SI demonstrate a positive and direct impact on GPI, indicating partial mediation through PV. The model describes a significant difference in both personal values and green purchase intention(GPI). The results emphasize the emotional, social, and moral drivers that have a significant impact when combined to characterize sustainable consumption behavior. The current paper is relevant to the growing literature on eco-anxiety and green consumerism in developing economies. The findings could be useful in informing marketers and policymakers who encourage EEHA in Pakistan.
Eco-Regulatory Compliance and Sustainability Performance: Unveiling the Mediating Role of Corporate Green Culture
Environmental concerns and tougher regulations have compelled financial organizations to incorporate sustainability into their strategy and business operations. The idea of environmental governance is becoming more popular, but few studies have been undertaken on the organizational mechanism by which eco-regulatory compliance leads to sustainability performance, especially for Islamic banking. In light of the above, the current study aims to investigate the direct effect of eco-regulatory compliance on sustainability performance and the mediating effect of corporate green culture in this regard, based on the Institutional Theory. Data from a cross-sectional survey were gathered using a standardized questionnaire from 346 top- and middle-level managers working in full-fledged Islamic banks in Pakistan. The proposed relationships were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The findings reveal that the impact of corporate green culture on sustainability performance is significant and positive, and it partially mediates the relationship between eco-regulatory compliance and sustainability performance, suggesting that when the regulation is adhered to, the cultural values of the organization are influenced by its green culture. These findings add to the Institutional Theory, as they indicate that corporate green culture serves as an organizational mechanism that enables external regulatory pressures to be transformed into sustainability performance.
The Relationship Between Dark Triad Personality Traits and Phubbing: Mediating Role of Psychological Distress
Current research explored the relationship between dark triad personality traits and phubbing and also examined the mediating role of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) among young adults. Study employed Short Dark Triad Scale (Jones & Paulhus, 2014), Generic Scale of Phubbing (Chotpitayasunondh & Douglas, 2018), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 items (Lovibond, 1995) on 403 university students from 18 to 28 years of age. Correlation analysis showed that all three dark triad personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) were positively associated with phubbing. Furthermore, in the parallel mediation model, only depression positively mediated the relationship between Machiavellianism and psychopathy with phubbing. This study will help in identifying the personality traits, specifically negative personality traits, that are associated with phubbing and the underlying mechanism by examining the mediating role of psychological distress in this relationship. This can aid in developing preventative and intervention methods to reduce phubbing.
Skills Mismatch and Graduate Unemployment: Aligning Higher Education with CPEC/SEZ-Driven Economic Opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is facing an economic dilemma as the province has the highest provincial unemployment rate in the latest Labour Force Survey in Pakistan, but has the Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as the flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) industrial project in the province. This article explores and analyzes the existing gap between the higher education output of KP and the labour needs of the SEZs connected to CPEC, based on the data provided by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, with the help of institutional data on SEZs related to CPEC. The findings reveal that although KP has a higher unemployment rate of 9.6% than the national unemployment rate of 7.1%, there was an overrepresentation of graduates in the labour force who are not employed (14.8%) as compared to those who are employed (8.9%). The unemployment rate for technical and vocational training systems in the country was estimated at around 70% above the demand in the industry. Rashkai's enterprises are mostly in light industrial manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and chemical processing, which are more technical and engineering-based than the generalist degrees that make up KP's university enrolment. The article places this in the backdrop of the existing literature on the issue of disconnection between TVET and industry and teacher quality problems in Pakistan, and suggests the detailed curriculum mapping of TVET curriculum, detailed internship pipelines and articulation between TVET and university as practical mechanisms for alignment.
Personality Traits and Their Impact on Career Management of Fresh Graduates: A Qualitative Survey Analysis Inspired by the Famous Four Personality Traits Found by Ibn-Sina (Avicenna) and an Investigation Involving Introverts and Extroverts
Personality type holds a vital importance in the conduct of an individual. It strongly reflects every aspect of life, i.e., family, education, matrimonial, and corporate life of a person. Family, educational life is assumed to be closely related to an individual's corporate life. Whereas, educational life is the sum total of learnt material, practices, and expertise gained through institutional and family background. This qualitative study aims to find the correlation between career choices and personality types, i.e., Introverts and Extraverts. For this purpose, various theories on personality traits are taken into deep consideration, i.e., Avicenna's personality theory, Arthur Jago's leadership styles, and Honey and Mumford's learning styles. A Qualitative survey is also conducted to conclude the study, and the formulated hypothesis, i.e., RQ1 & RQ2 results, are seen in favour. Whereas, the overall relation between personality traits and career management is seen with a significantly moderate positive relation. Whereas, some personality factors, such as personality to career goals and career choice (seeking guidance), have not been verified as a prime influencer on career management. The study is region-limited, i.e., based in Karachi, Pakistan, and requires an implied approach for further constructs in the study.
Copyright (c) 2025 Copyright in the Journal of Social Sciences Review is retained by the author(s). Authors also grant any third party the right to use the article freely as long as its integrity is maintained and its original authors, citation details and publisher are identified. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Agricultural Value Added in Pakistan: Roles of FDI, Technological Innovation, Employment, and Renewable Energy Consumption
Agriculture value added is a key aspect for agrarian economies like Pakistan. This research examines the state of agriculture value added in the presence of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), technological innovation, employment in the agriculture sector, and usage of renewable energy. The data was collected from 1990 to 2025. The analysis is done by using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL). The results confirm that FDI and technological innovation positively affect agriculture value added in Pakistan. Of renewable energy, the results are surprisingly negative. The policy option is to ensure a consistent flow of FDI and a productive usage of technology for better agricultural productivity.
Impact of Diabetes Distress and Self‑efficacy on Quality of Life Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent chronic condition that significantly impacts both the physical and psychological well-being of patients. Using a purposive sampling technique, data were collected from patients (N = 300) from various public and private clinics and hospitals in Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Islamabad. Along with demographic information, the Urdu version of the Diabetes Distress Scale (Yousaf et al., 2014), the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (Tabbassum et al., 2003), and WHOBREF (Khan et al., 2003) were used to assess diabetes distress, self-efficacy, and quality of life, respectively. Cronbach's alpha reliabilities for all the scales and subscales were satisfactory. To investigate the predictors of quality of life, multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. Results showed that self-efficacy positively predicts quality of life, while diabetes distress negatively predicts quality of life.
Climbing the Academic Ladder: The Role of Grit and Parental Education in Student Achievement
Education plays an important role in the development of individuals and future success. Beyond cognitive skills, noncognitive skills like grit, perseverance, and persistent effort are recognized to be essential for academic success. Family background and student opportunities, motivation, learning, and even parental educational level, have an impact on students. The current study investigated the relationship of parental educational attainment, grit, and academic Success in Pakistani university students. The study was conducted using Duckworth's Grit Theory and Vygotsky's Social Development Theory as a theoretical framework. The study sought to evaluate the predictive and moderating functions of grit in mediating family background and academic success. Data were gathered from 200 first-year university students in public and private universities via purposive sampling. Standardized scales used were the Grit 12-Item Scale, Statistics Canada Educational Attainment Scale, and Academic Performance Questionnaire. Outcomes identified a strong positive association between grit and academic success, and parental education had no direct correlation with the academic success of students. Regression analysis validated grit as a highly predictive outcome of academic success, accounting for unique variance over demographic variables and parental education attainment. Moderation analysis demonstrated that grit was not a significant moderator of the relationship between parental education attainment and student academic success. Differences based on gender occurred, with male students showing higher scores in grit, whereas female students reported improved performance in academics. These findings highlight the importance of noncognitive attributes such as grit in predicting academic success, independent of parental background.
Emotion Regulation and Reactive-Proactive Aggression among Generation Alpha Students: Preparing for Board Examinations
Generation Alpha, generally defined as individuals born between 2010 and 2024, represents the first cohort to be raised entirely within a digitally integrated environment. As many members of this generation approach significant academic milestones, including school and board examinations, they encounter unique developmental and educational challenges. In the present study, the aim was to examine the relationship between emotion regulation and reactive-proactive aggression among Generation Alpha, preparing for the board examination, by using a cross-sectional research design. Purposive sampling technique was utilized by targeting 9th Grade 13-15 years old boys/girls (N=150) preparing for the board examination. Self-Report measures include: Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (Gullone & Taffe, 2012) and Reactive Proactive Questionnaire (Raine et al., 2006) were used for data collection. Analysis of Spearman correlation indicated a positive correlation between emotion regulation and reactive-proactive aggression. Cognitive reappraisal showed a positive correlation with reactive aggression but a negligible correlation with proactive aggression. Expressive suppression depicts a positive correlation with proactive aggression, whereas it shows a weak relationship with reactive aggression. However, gender differences for emotion regulation among boys and girls displayed no significant differences, whereas, in reactive-proactive aggression, boys (M=93.86) showed higher scores than girls (M=59.44; U=2610.00, p=.472). This study highlights the importance of promoting emotion regulation skills among students preparing for board examinations. School psychologists, counselors, and mental health professionals may work on emotion regulation skills as part of an intervention designed to reduce aggressive behavior and improve emotional adjustment among Generation Alpha.
Impact of Green Supply Chain and Green Innovation on Business Performance and Environmental Sustainability
This paper examines how Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) is relevant to enhancing company performance and environmental sustainability in Pakistani industries. The study is conducted using a quantitative and cross-sectional research design, and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 200 participants working in various industrial sectors in Pakistan. Analysis of the responses was done using SmartPLS 4, with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The results of the measurement model established that the constructs were within the required standards of reliability, validity and collinearity. The structural results revealed that GSCM was positively related to business performance, environmental sustainability and green innovation. The findings also revealed that green innovation positively impacted business and environmental performance. The strongest overall relationship was between GSCM and environmental sustainability, whereas the model fit was reasonable, with an SRMR value of 0.065. In general, the results indicate that GSCM is not only helpful in improving the environment, but also acts as an organisational capability that can promote innovation and business development. The research adds empirical evidence from Pakistan and provides practical implications for managers and policymakers who want to enhance sustainability and organisational performance simultaneously.